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Science News Archive January 2019


Page 29 of 37

Excessive social media use is comparable to drug addiction

Research from Michigan State University found a correlation between excessive social media use and impaired risky decision-making capabilities. Participants who struggled with poor decision-making on the Iowa Gambling Task also displayed more problematic social media use.

New research reveals the enduring benefits of hiring a star

A new study by INSEAD researchers found that collaborating with a creative 'star' increases the chances of becoming a star and boosts innovators' creativity. Working alongside a star designer significantly enhances the ability to create breakthrough innovations through skills such as creative synthesis.

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Mothers use sex pheromones to veil eggs, preventing cannibalism

Researchers found that fruit fly mothers incorporate sex pheromones into the eggshell's wax layer to mask its identity from larvae, preventing cannibalism. This nontoxic chemical deception strategy has implications for our understanding of animal behavior and defense mechanisms in diverse species.

Clever budgies make better mates

A study found that male budgies who exhibit intelligent behavior, such as solving problems for food, become more appealing to females. The research suggests a possible evolutionary link between cognitive abilities and mate selection in birds.

Mapping residual esophageal tumors -- a glimpse into the future?

Researchers at Osaka University found that mapping residual esophageal tumors can predict long-term prognosis and direct personalized treatment plans. The study identified four tumor remnant patterns, with specific associations to disease factors such as prognosis and metastasis risk.

A human model to test implants for cataract surgery

A new human model simulates cataract surgery on human donor eyes, allowing evaluation of artificial intraocular lens (IOL) implants. The model predicts that Hoya Vivinex IOL is better able to manage events leading to Posterior Capsule Opacification (PCO) than Alcon Acrysof IOL.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

New dynamic probes for ions interacting with biomolecules

Vibrations of phosphate groups allow for a noninvasive probe of ion geometries in a water environment. Researchers use two-dimensional infrared spectroscopy to map Mg2+ ions in direct contact with PO2- groups, revealing fluctuations of the contact ion pair geometry and embedding water shell.

New CRISPR-Cas9 variants can respond to viral proteases

Researchers created Cas9-CPs and ProCas9s, which simplify genome editing and epigenetic modifications. These variants enable molecular sensing, tissue-specific genome editing, and potential application as a pathogen-sensing system.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Child abuse linked to risk of suicide in later life

Research reveals that children who experience physical, sexual, and emotional abuse are at least two to three times more likely to attempt suicide as adults. The study also found that people not in contact with mental health clinicians face the highest level of risk.

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

There's an app for that

Researchers develop phone-based intervention app to strengthen personal and occupational resources in military personnel, promoting balance and growth values. The project's goal is to improve the quality of life for military personnel, addressing stressors such as separation from family and frequent relocation.

Investigational cream may help patients with inflammatory skin disease

A study published in the British Journal of Dermatology found that an investigational nonsteroidal topical cream, PAC-14028, improved clinical symptoms and signs in adults with mild to moderate atopic dermatitis. The cream blocks a specific ion channel involved in pain perception and inflammation.

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Artificial bug eyes

Researchers have created bioinspired artificial compound eyes with improved visual properties, enabling better motion detection and light sensitivity. The innovative structure consists of tiny independent repeating visual receptors called ommatidia, grown on top of convex glass domes with antireflective and water-repellent nanostructures.

Astronomers map 'light echoes' of newly discovered black hole

Researchers used NASA's NICER payload to detect X-ray light from a small black hole (J1820) consuming material from a companion star. Light echoes revealed changes in the environment's size and shape, providing new insights into stellar-mass black holes' behavior.

New method to study biomechanical changes in tissues after laser surgery

Russian scientists developed a new method to study biomechanical changes in tissues after laser surgery, improving the accuracy and safety of eye surgeries. The method uses optical coherence tomography (OCT), which visualizes tissue structure by infrared light scattering, to quantify mechanical properties changes before and after laser...

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

First evidence of gigantic remains from star explosions

Astronomers have found the first evidence of a 'super-remnant' formed from repeated star explosions in the Andromeda Galaxy. The remnant measures almost 400 light years across and is associated with the most frequent nova explosions known, occurring once a year.

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Two-thirds of stroke survivors are in exceptionally good mental health

A large Canadian study found that having a confidant was crucial for achieving complete mental health after a stroke, while childhood maltreatment and chronic pain were significant predictors of poor well-being. The study identified over two-thirds of stroke survivors as being in optimal mental health.

GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Beech trees are dying, and nobody's sure why

A new disease is killing beech trees in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Ontario, Canada, causing dark-green bands on leaves and leading to tree death. Researchers are searching for a microbe or insect cause, using molecular techniques to compare DNA and RNA from diseased and healthy trees.

Cosmic telescope zooms in on the beginning of time

Astronomers have detected a distant quasar from the early universe using Gemini Observatory, which provides critical insights into the formation of galaxies. The quasar is fueled by a supermassive black hole at its center, with mass 700 million times that of our Sun.

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Tobacco use linked with higher use of opioids and sedatives

Concurrent tobacco use is associated with a higher likelihood of receiving prescriptions for opioids combined with muscle relaxants and benzodiazepines. This increased co-prescription may lead to prescription drug addiction due to the heightened risk of overdose.

Researchers diversify drug development options with new metal catalyst

A University of Illinois team has created a synthetic manganese catalyst that can oxidize aliphatic scaffolds in the presence of aromatics, enabling chemists to produce new drugs from old ones. The discovery could expedite the drug discovery process and identify metabolites without requiring new syntheses.

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Mice sleeping fitfully provide clues to insomnia

Researchers studied genetically modified mice with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), a condition associated with sleep problems. The mice exhibited fragmented and irregular sleep patterns, similar to people with NF1. This study could help identify molecular mechanisms underlying sleep disturbances in humans.

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Are your Facebook friends making you feel sick?

A study published in Heliyon found that Facebook users who engage in social comparison are more aware of their physical ailments. The researchers also discovered a positive correlation between Facebook use and perceptions of physical symptoms.

HRT tablets associated with increased risk of blood clots

A large study published in The BMJ found that HRT tablets are associated with a higher risk of rare but serious blood clots, particularly those containing equine oestrogen. No increased risk was found for skin patches, gels and creams. The study provides important information for women and their doctors to make informed treatment choices.

Let's map our DNA and save billions each year in health costs

Pharmacogenetic testing, which maps a person's genetic makeup, can ensure patients receive effective and safe medications. This technology has the potential to deliver an economic benefit of $12 billion over five years to the national health system in Australia.

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Stem cell study offers clues for optimizing bone marrow transplants and more

A recent USC-Stanford study reveals that successfully transplanted stem cells exhibit 'extreme behavior' due to radiation and chemotherapy, whereas healthy cells produce blood and immune cells more evenly. The research also shows that certain stem cells become dormant or biased towards producing specific immune cells.

Capturing chemotherapy drugs before they can cause side effects

Scientists have created a 3D-printed device that can absorb excess chemotherapy drugs from a patient's bloodstream before they spread to healthy cells. The device captured about 64% of doxorubicin, a commonly used chemotherapy drug, reducing the likelihood of side effects such as hair loss and nausea.

Study finds 2 billion birds migrate over Gulf Coast

A new study reveals that an average of 2.1 billion birds migrate along the 1,680-mile Gulf Coast each spring, with peak activity in a specific 18-day period. The research also highlights the importance of understanding migration timing to mitigate threats from human activities.

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

New research is using drones to tackle climate change

A team of Nottingham scientists is using drones to survey woody climbing plants and better understand how they may affect the carbon balance of tropical rainforests. The findings have been published in the Journal of Applied Ecology, highlighting the potential problems caused by lianas and their impact on global warming.

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.